Facts & Other Areas That Deserve Attention:
While completing the project, I found myself focusing on classroom management. I kept feeling a very raw reality gnawing in my belly reminding me that a locomotive is only as strong as the conductor. In other words, yes; iPads improve classroom instruction. But this hinges on the teacher. If a teacher simply walks into a classroom one day, distributes iPads to students, and walks away, there is a strong possibility that the iPads will not be utilized for school purposes. Sometimes they may be, but with no restrictions, and no firm classroom management of the iPad, the students would run amok with their newly-acquired toys. They would have little to no focus or discipline. Teachers leading their students into the new era of iPad usage is not only important; it is critical. The role of the educator in today's classroom is rapidly evolving. However, the role of classroom administrator has never carried more weight than it does now. Teachers wielding the iPad should be willing to experiment, consistently display excitement, not show resistance to further professional development, and - most importantly - they should not be afraid to fail. Failure is how we learn, grow, adapt, and become better version of ourselves.
Furthermore, if my adult classroom at Verizon Wireless can benefit from a program such as LanSchool, then this seems to me a simple solution for any teacher who struggles to maintain the practice and discipline required to successfully utilize a school-issued iPad.
How This Relates to My Project:
Classroom management relates to my project because, ultimately, the iPad is an educational tool. The benefits are far-reaching, but only in the proper learning environment. iPads cannot benefit teachers or students if they are not being utilized as intended.
How I Discovered the Area:
I discovered the area by happenstance. While sitting in my classroom, watching LanSchool and researching how it works, I found myself daydreaming about the potential an educator could possess just being allowed the potential to monitor everything a student views on his/her iPad. This is not to ensure students are not doing what they are not supposed to be doing, but also to ensure that students are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
How I Would Approach the Study:
If I had additional time, and if I lived in a perfect world, I would ask for permission to begin Part Two anew, but in my adult classroom at Verizon Wireless. I would work closely with the Training Department and interview everyone on staff. I would also inquire as to the possibility of everyone in the classroom working from an iPad (as opposed to a desktop computer). The problem of getting every student equipped with an iPad may be a bit of a bold request. It may be a long shot, but - if allowed - I would likely be awed by the data I collect in the process. Perhaps I would even be allowed to escalate the request up the chain of command (Verizon is very good to listen to the employees and ensure their voices are heard, so it is not an impossible concept). Adults are students too, after all!
Areas Deserving Further Study
Facts & Other Areas That Deserve Attention:
While completing the project, I found myself focusing on classroom management. I kept feeling a very raw reality gnawing in my belly reminding me that a locomotive is only as strong as the conductor. In other words, yes; iPads improve classroom instruction. But this hinges on the teacher. If a teacher simply walks into a classroom one day, distributes iPads to students, and walks away, there is a strong possibility that the iPads will not be utilized for school purposes. Sometimes they may be, but with no restrictions, and no firm classroom management of the iPad, the students would run amok with their newly-acquired toys. They would have little to no focus or discipline. Teachers leading their students into the new era of iPad usage is not only important; it is critical. The role of the educator in today's classroom is rapidly evolving. However, the role of classroom administrator has never carried more weight than it does now. Teachers wielding the iPad should be willing to experiment, consistently display excitement, not show resistance to further professional development, and - most importantly - they should not be afraid to fail. Failure is how we learn, grow, adapt, and become better version of ourselves.
Furthermore, if my adult classroom at Verizon Wireless can benefit from a program such as LanSchool, then this seems to me a simple solution for any teacher who struggles to maintain the practice and discipline required to successfully utilize a school-issued iPad.
How This Relates to My Project:
Classroom management relates to my project because, ultimately, the iPad is an educational tool. The benefits are far-reaching, but only in the proper learning environment. iPads cannot benefit teachers or students if they are not being utilized as intended.
How I Discovered the Area:
I discovered the area by happenstance. While sitting in my classroom, watching LanSchool and researching how it works, I found myself daydreaming about the potential an educator could possess just being allowed the potential to monitor everything a student views on his/her iPad. This is not to ensure students are not doing what they are not supposed to be doing, but also to ensure that students are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
How I Would Approach the Study:
If I had additional time, and if I lived in a perfect world, I would ask for permission to begin Part Two anew, but in my adult classroom at Verizon Wireless. I would work closely with the Training Department and interview everyone on staff. I would also inquire as to the possibility of everyone in the classroom working from an iPad (as opposed to a desktop computer). The problem of getting every student equipped with an iPad may be a bit of a bold request. It may be a long shot, but - if allowed - I would likely be awed by the data I collect in the process. Perhaps I would even be allowed to escalate the request up the chain of command (Verizon is very good to listen to the employees and ensure their voices are heard, so it is not an impossible concept). Adults are students too, after all!